Edo REC Clears Air on BVAS Claims, Calls PDP for Election Material Review

In response to BVAS allegations, Edo REC denies any wrongdoing and offers the PDP an opportunity to inspect the election materials to ensure transparency.

Anubgum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has denied allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party accused him of obstructing their request to access the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) inspection before the recently concluded gubernatorial elections in the state.

On Tuesday, Onuoha released a statement calling the PDP’s accusation “groundless, misleading, and untrue.”

Onuoha stated that he never denied any political party, its agents, or representatives access to inspect the BVAS in anticipation of court proceedings.

The PDP claimed that INEC in Edo State had defied a court order by denying the party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, access to the BVAS machines and other materials used in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

The claim was issued by Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.

Our party also informs the public about how compromised INEC officials allegedly used the excuse of waiting for “directives from above” to enable thugs recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and certain corrupt police officers to attack the INEC office in Edo State, creating confusion and hindering PDP’s access to these sensitive materials.

INEC’s refusal to release the materials blatantly defies the order issued by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City on September 29, 2024. This order directed INEC to provide our party and candidate with unrestricted access for inspecting all electoral documents or any related materials held by either the National Chief Electoral Commissioner or any officer of INEC/the 1st Respondent. Specifically, it called for opening up voter registers, ballot papers, BVAS machines, as well as Forms EC25B, EC25B(i), EC40A and EC40C that were used during the Edo State Governorship election on September 21, 2024.

In reply, Onuaha stated that political parties wishing to contest the election results are welcome to proceed, as legal provisions have already addressed this course of action.

He also extended an invitation to all political parties, including the PDP, to examine the BVAS on Wednesday.

He stated, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State have been made aware of baseless allegations claiming that I have denied political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used in the recent elections.”

I have consistently asserted that these allegations are unfounded, misleading, and entirely without merit. Under my leadership in Edo State, INEC is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes. This commitment extends to the inspection of election materials as well.

The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and my office, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, has been drawn to baseless allegations claiming that I have denied political parties and their representatives access to inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and other election materials used in the recent elections.

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I want to clearly assert that these allegations are unfounded, misleading, and entirely without merit. Under my leadership in Edo State, INEC is dedicated to maintaining the utmost standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in every electoral process. The inspection of election materials is a fundamental right for all parties involved in election petitions, which we are legally obligated to ensure happens smoothly.

Neither I nor any official in my office has ever obstructed or denied political parties or their representatives the opportunity to inspect materials used in the recent elections. INEC fully understands and is committed to adhering to legal responsibilities, supporting lawful processes that allow parties to seek remedies through the courts.

To uphold our commitment, I would like to announce that the inspection of election materials, including the BVAS devices, is officially set for tomorrow, October 9th, 2024. This will occur at 10:00 AM at INEC Headquarters in Edo State. We invite all political parties and their representatives to join this process in accordance with legal protocols to ensure transparency and compliance with the rule of law.

Any political party or candidate wishing to review these materials has been and will remain permitted access, as long as they adhere to the appropriate procedures established by the Election Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.

It is regrettable that these unfounded accusations have been spread without any evidence or proper communication with my office.

I encourage all stakeholders and the general public to ignore this misinformation. As a Commission, we are committed to serving the Nigerian people, upholding the Constitution, and adhering to the rule of law.

The Independent National Electoral Commission is dedicated to upholding transparency, and we are fully committed to making sure that the electoral process remains free, fair, and accountable.

Anyone interested in contacting my office about inspecting materials is encouraged to do so through the appropriate legal channels. We assure you of our full cooperation.